Need new gaming mouse

[KingsGambit_v1legacy]

My Logitech G700 isn't cutting it any more. The left button more often than not double-clicks when it should single-click and it's no longer tolerable. It also doesn't hold a charge and has thus spent most of its life wired when it was bought to be wireless.

So I need something new. The best contenders I've found so far are the Logitech G602 and the replacement for my current mouse, the G700S.

While I like the fact that the G700S *can* be wired, I know first-hand from its predecessor that its wireless battery life is sub-par. I also really like the idea of the 6 thumb + 2 bonus buttons on the G602, as opposed to the 4 thumb + 3 top + 2 when side-clicking the wheel. I rarely use the sideclicks and the 3 top buttons aren't the most ergonomic. Having 6 by the thumb seems pretty useful for most RPGs, MMOs, D3, etc.

The G602 supposedly also has tremendous battery life, which is a bonus, but lacks the ability to run wired at all and more significantly is optical, not laser and polls at 500Hz, not 1kHz unlike the more expensive G700S. Would I realistically notice lag/precision issues in games with that? Should I be concerned that it tops out at 2500DPI, rather than the 8000s of the more expensive one?

Does anyone have any experience with either of the above mice? If not, any recommendations for a good, wireless mouse? Money is not an object and it should ideally be good for a wide range of games. I'm going mad looking at reviews and numbers. Many thanks.

 

[Bad Jim]

Well firstly, I say gaming mice should be wired. A wireless mouse is a mouse that will periodically run out of power and ruin your fun. You know this to be true. At the very least, have the ability to run wired.

Polling frequency and dpi are probably both fine. 500Hz polling gives an average latency of 1 millisecond, while 1000Hz polling gives an average latency of half a millisecond. Not a big difference. And I find my mouse is still good if I set it down to 1800dpi. Gaming mice have unnecessarily high dpi because the tech inside them can do that.

One side effect of high polling rates is that many mouse acceleration algorithms seem to stop working. I count that as a plus. But my mouse lets me choose between 125Hz and 1000Hz with nothing in between so I can't say how it is at 500Hz.

 

[Hairless Mammoth]

My old Death Adder is also sometimes double clicking or letting go when I hold it down. It lasted a pretty long time for a Razer mouse that was dropped too much. I might try to solder in another microswitch or swap the left and right one to hold off blowing $50-100 on a new mouse. I was thinking about a Logitech replacement. They make good mice. I've got both their M570 trackball and the old wired version, and they're the most robust PC accessories I've ever used. The M750 is still on its original battery despite being a year old and constantly in use.(I use it with my laptop and plug it my desktop when I want to kick back and watch some videos or surf the net on the TV.)

If you really want a wireless mouse, definitely get one than can plug in while in use. Having a dead battery with no spares and no decent spare mouse will suck. I'd also stay away from any with proprietary built batteries.

That G700s looks good. You're already familiar with the feel of it from the older G700, and it has the features you want without screwing you over with proprietary charging cables. I think your old receiver might work with it, too. So you can use the old one as a backup. The price seems pretty good, too, for a mouse with plenty of extra buttons and 8200 dpi.

High dpi is unnecessary, IMHO. At 3500 dpi, my mouse sometimes finds fibers or dust on the mouse pad and jumps around. When I have it set at 1800 it's seems fine and I don't really notice a difference in performance. Get one you like with at least 4000 dpi and set it where you think works best with your surface.

 

[Cerebrawl]

Really loving my Redragon Perdition, great little mouse, awesome build quality(so much for cheap chinese knock-off), and 18 programable buttons(of which 12 are thumb buttons). It's like a more ergonomic, higher DPI, better build quality, lower price Naga. (16400 DPI)

For something closer to Logitech design(but more ergonomic and comfortable) I'd recommend the Roccat Kone XTD. Not many buttons, but the scroll wheel tilts(so it works as 3 buttons + scroll), and one of the thumb buttons works as a set-shift, so all other buttons can be given 2 functions, with or without that thumb button held, effectively giving you 14 programable buttons other than that thumb button(6 buttons, 2 scroll wheel directions). It's also the smoothest polling mouse I've ever encountered. Only downside for me is the thumb buttons feel like they're placed a bit too high for my taste, YMMV. (8200 DPI)

Both those are wired btw.

 

[KingsGambit_v1legacy]

Thanks for the above. It's particularly interesting to see all the numbers being put into perspective. I'll place an order tonight and live with extraneous double clicks until mid-next week. Many thanks again.

 

[KingsGambit_v1legacy]

Really loving my Redragon Perdition, great little mouse, awesome build quality(so much for cheap chinese knock-off), and 18 programable buttons(of which 12 are thumb buttons). It's like a more ergonomic, higher DPI, better build quality, lower price Naga. (16400 DPI)

For something closer to Logitech design(but more ergonomic and comfortable) I'd recommend the Roccat Kone XTD. Not many buttons, but the scroll wheel tilts(so it works as 3 buttons + scroll), and one of the thumb buttons works as a set-shift, so all other buttons can be given 2 functions, with or without that thumb button held, effectively giving you 14 programable buttons other than that thumb button(6 buttons, 2 scroll wheel directions). It's also the smoothest polling mouse I've ever encountered. Only downside for me is the thumb buttons feel like they're placed a bit too high for my taste, YMMV. (8200 DPI)

Both those are wired btw.

That Roccard mouse looks incredible, probably the nicest looking mouse I've ever seen. It's tempting to buy one on that basis alone, but I think going from 4 thumb buttons to 2 is a negative (the G602 is appealing because it has 6!) and the wire would get annoying. Thanks for introducing that manufacturer to me though, I'll keep an eye on their products in the future. Also, love the Movie-Guy voice-overed advert on the product page.

Damn that mouse is gorgeous. 4 thumb buttons and a (2x AA) wireless option I'd be all over that!

 

[KingsGambit_v1legacy]

Here's an alternative: learn how to fix the leaf-spring inside. [http://heinjd.wordpress.com/2010/05/05/repairing-the-double-click-problem-on-my-logicech-g7-mouse/] I'm sure there are better, more in depth guides on how to do it, but it should give you a nice idea of how to do it.

The reason I mention this, is because ever since I switched over from my MX500, I've been through four or five mice before I finally just learned what the damn problem was (I'm a Minecraft creative player - meaning I click a *lot*).
It can easily give you a year's worth of clicking, with diminishing returns every time you fix it.

Which reminds me, I should look into getting custom springs that last longer..

Thanks for that link bro, I didn't realise it was a "common issue" (if that page is accurate) nor that the solution was straightforward. For peace of mind, I'll likely order something anyway and try to affect a repair after a replacement is sourced, delivered and installed. I'd rather be safe than sorry and with my luck, following that guide will result in a one-buttoned mouse That way I can game and compute without interruption in the worst case, and have a decent spare in the best case.

 

[vun]

I've tried both the G700s and the G602, the G700s was returned after a day or two, but the G602 has become one of my all-time favourite mice(and I have a collection of about 20 mice). Logitech's software is probably the most powerful software you can get for a mouse, even if it is a bit heavy being all-in-one software for all Logitech devices.

So if you're looking at the G602, I'm pretty sure you won't regret it. There's no noticeable difference between 500 and 100 hz that I've found, but 125 is a bit low and I wouldn't recommend using that for gaming. Luckily you can swap between 125 and 500 with the switch on the top, so switching is no big deal.

 

[KingsGambit_v1legacy]

I've tried both the G700s and the G602, the G700s was returned after a day or two, but the G602 has become one of my all-time favourite mice(and I have a collection of about 20 mice). Logitech's software is probably the most powerful software you can get for a mouse, even if it is a bit heavy being all-in-one software for all Logitech devices.

So if you're looking at the G602, I'm pretty sure you won't regret it. There's no noticeable difference between 500 and 100 hz that I've found, but 125 is a bit low and I wouldn't recommend using that for gaming. Luckily you can swap between 125 and 500 with the switch on the top, so switching is no big deal.

Thanks for this vun. Why did you return the G700S? How are you finding the G602? Have you gamed much with it? What's your experience with the thumb buttons? Lag/latency? Would love to hear how you get on using it since so far it's looking like my first choice and I want to order something tonight, or at least over the weekend.

Also, your "Joined" date is the closest to mine I've yet encountered

 

[vun]

I've tried both the G700s and the G602, the G700s was returned after a day or two, but the G602 has become one of my all-time favourite mice(and I have a collection of about 20 mice). Logitech's software is probably the most powerful software you can get for a mouse, even if it is a bit heavy being all-in-one software for all Logitech devices.

So if you're looking at the G602, I'm pretty sure you won't regret it. There's no noticeable difference between 500 and 100 hz that I've found, but 125 is a bit low and I wouldn't recommend using that for gaming. Luckily you can swap between 125 and 500 with the switch on the top, so switching is no big deal.

Thanks for this vun. Why did you return the G700S? How are you finding the G602? Have you gamed much with it? What's your experience with the thumb buttons? Lag/latency? Would love to hear how you get on using it since so far it's looking like my first choice and I want to order something tonight, or at least over the weekend.

The G700s had a short and unwieldy cable, the battery life was abysmal, the sensor was off-center along with off-center weight distribution; all the weight in the back with the sensor in the front is not good. I did like the shape, but the right side offered too little grip for how heavy it was. The buttons on it are amazing though, but the G602 buttons are pretty neat as well.

I've used the G602 quite a lot for gaming, I haven't had any problems with lag or anything(wireless tech is much better now, decent mice don't have any issues with lag these days). I really like the button placement and how easy they are to navigate due to their shape. Battery life is amazing as well compared to other wireless gaming mice I've tried.

 

[Cerebrawl]

That Roccard mouse looks incredible, probably the nicest looking mouse I've ever seen. It's tempting to buy one on that basis alone, but I think going from 4 thumb buttons to 2 is a negative (the G602 is appealing because it has 6!) and the wire would get annoying. Thanks for introducing that manufacturer to me though, I'll keep an eye on their products in the future. Also, love the Movie-Guy voice-overed advert on the product page.

Damn that mouse is gorgeous. 4 thumb buttons and a (2x AA) wireless option I'd be all over that!

It's also the smoothest mouse I've ever used, that mouse pointer precision! If you play FPS, this mouse is going to improve your aim, it's that good.

Still, I ended up liking the Redragon Perdition more, because of the thumb buttons and comfort. (Seriously, 12 thumb buttons is nice). I recommend it highly. It's also reasonably priced. I'm not sure why the polling doesn't feel as good as the Roccat Kone XTD though, same polling rate options, double the DPI maximum. Good, but not fantastic like the Roccat.

Still, if you don't mind the high placement of the thumb buttons on the Roccat, and can get used to using the mouse wheel tilt for extra buttons(you basically have 6 buttons and 4 scroll actions on the scroll wheel, thanks to the thumb-shift), it should be pretty much unbeatable. The thumb-shift also allows you to map different actions to mouse 1&2, so you can potentially bind alt-fire and grenades or similar to left/right-click.

 

[Bombiz]

I wouldn't go for anything razor since they're overpriced as all hell. I just got the g502 so you could try that since it's also made by logitech. Also shouldn't this thread be in the advice forum?

 

[fenrizz]

Spoiler: I've got this

Mad Catz R.A.T. 7, it is glorious!
I like it even better than my old MX518 and that is saying a lot.

Highly recommended.

 

[KingsGambit_v1legacy]

I've used the G602 quite a lot for gaming, I haven't had any problems with lag or anything(wireless tech is much better now, decent mice don't have any issues with lag these days). I really like the button placement and how easy they are to navigate due to their shape. Battery life is amazing as well compared to other wireless gaming mice I've tried.

Thanks so much for the great reply. I think I'm sold. I'll miss the wired option but with good battery life (and I'll always have two charged and ready to swap in) it is likely the best fit for me.

Also, Columbo rocks.

Still, I ended up liking the Redragon Perdition more, because of the thumb buttons and comfort. (Seriously, 12 thumb buttons is nice). I recommend it highly. It's also reasonably priced. I'm not sure why the polling doesn't feel as good as the Roccat Kone XTD though, same polling rate options, double the DPI maximum. Good, but not fantastic like the Roccat.

Still, if you don't mind the high placement of the thumb buttons on the Roccat, and can get used to using the mouse wheel tilt for extra buttons(you basically have 6 buttons and 4 scroll actions on the scroll wheel, thanks to the thumb-shift), it should be pretty much unbeatable. The thumb-shift also allows you to map different actions to mouse 1&2, so you can potentially bind alt-fire and grenades or similar to left/right-click.

The Perdition looks interesting. I like the alternating slope of the thumb buttons. I've eyed the Naga before but I don't trust Razer since my disastrous experience with the Mamba. I can see the potential there but wonder how easy it is to get to specific keys, in particular 5 and 8. I'd also be concerned that the buttons leave nowhere *safe* to rest one's thumb.

I have side/tilt click buttons on my G700 mouse wheel and they're almost entirely un-utilised (I think binding Spike on my SWTOR Inquisitor tank is about it). Maybe it's that giving the LMB finger any more work to do is too much of a departure. I can definitely see the promise there but would've preferred a G700 style of four thumb buttons than the 2 + 2. I usually use them for things like sneak, sprint, melee or scope, etc. I guess grenade or sprint would work well there. How does the EasyShift thing work? Where is it on the mouse?

Spoiler: I've got this

Mad Catz R.A.T. 7, it is glorious!
I like it even better than my old MX518 and that is saying a lot.

Highly recommended.

That's a mouse!? I umm...it looks mad. I realise the company's name implies as much but it looks very complicated. I expect it was designed by the same folks who design Lambourghinis or Paganis. Are Mad Catz Italian?

 

[Cerebrawl]

The Perdition looks interesting. I like the alternating slope of the thumb buttons. I've eyed the Naga before but I don't trust Razer since my disastrous experience with the Mamba. I can see the potential there but wonder how easy it is to get to specific keys, in particular 5 and 8. I'd also be concerned that the buttons leave nowhere *safe* to rest one's thumb.

I have side/tilt click buttons on my G700 mouse wheel and they're almost entirely un-utilised (I think binding Spike on my SWTOR Inquisitor tank is about it). Maybe it's that giving the LMB finger any more work to do is too much of a departure. I can definitely see the promise there but would've preferred a G700 style of four thumb buttons than the 2 + 2. I usually use them for things like sneak, sprint, melee or scope, etc. I guess grenade or sprint would work well there. How does the EasyShift thing work? Where is it on the mouse?

Safe rest for the thumb on the Redragon is not a problem at all, and the buttons are quite stiff(though it gets better with some breaking in). It's a non-issue.

The EasyShift is on the thumb button closest to the wrist. As to how it works, while it's pressed, the alternate binding set is active, release and return to the standard set.

Spoiler: EasyShift highlighted

 

[suitepee7]

I wouldn't go for anything razor since they're overpriced as all hell. I just got the g502 so you could try that since it's also made by logitech. Also shouldn't this thread be in the advice forum?

well until there are more options for left-handed mice, i don't have much choice... still, my deathadder has lasted me a few years with no problems, and my copperhead before it lasted over 4. both of these were fairly reasonable in price tbh.

that being said, outside of basic mice, i can't say i'm a fan of razer. the prices do hike up considerably and i've not heard much good of their other types of products

 

[KingsGambit_v1legacy]

I wouldn't go for anything razor since they're overpriced as all hell. I just got the g502 so you could try that since it's also made by logitech. Also shouldn't this thread be in the advice forum?

well until there are more options for left-handed mice, i don't have much choice... still, my deathadder has lasted me a few years with no problems, and my copperhead before it lasted over 4. both of these were fairly reasonable in price tbh.

that being said, outside of basic mice, i can't say i'm a fan of razer. the prices do hike up considerably and i've not heard much good of their other types of products

I can totally see the issue with a lack of left-handed mice. The quest for better ergonomics rightly or wrongly leads companies to cater to the 80-90% right handed population, so all lefties can choose from the ambidextrous mice. I can understand from a companies point of view that designing something for only 10-20% of the market is unattractive but at the same time it's disappointing.

I don't understand though why making one of the ergonomically designed mice for left-handed use is so problematic. Can't the moulds be reversed with relative ease? I mean they can simply choose the 180 degree horizontal flip in whatever CAD package they use and they're done. I imagine creating the moulds wouldn't be all that hard and they can do runs of 10-20% of the total made to cater for what would likely be a very grateful customer.

I bought the Razer Mamba for around or over £100 shortly after it's release. The battery was atrocious, the ergonomics weren't great, the shiny plastic on the sides got dirty and smudged very easily, it felt cheap and plasticky (for a £100+ mouse!) and the thumb/extra buttons were not nice to use.

My (leftie) friend swears by his copperhead but as much as I appreciate Razer's efforts to the PC gaming community, I can't see myself buying their products (again).

 

[Bombiz]

I wouldn't go for anything razor since they're overpriced as all hell. I just got the g502 so you could try that since it's also made by logitech. Also shouldn't this thread be in the advice forum?

well until there are more options for left-handed mice, i don't have much choice... still, my deathadder has lasted me a few years with no problems, and my copperhead before it lasted over 4. both of these were fairly reasonable in price tbh.

that being said, outside of basic mice, i can't say i'm a fan of razer. the prices do hike up considerably and i've not heard much good of their other types of products

I can totally see the issue with a lack of left-handed mice. The quest for better ergonomics rightly or wrongly leads companies to cater to the 80-90% right handed population, so all lefties can choose from the ambidextrous mice. I can understand from a companies point of view that designing something for only 10-20% of the market is unattractive but at the same time it's disappointing.

I don't understand though why making one of the ergonomically designed mice for left-handed use is so problematic. Can't the moulds be reversed with relative ease? I mean they can simply choose the 180 degree horizontal flip in whatever CAD package they use and they're done. I imagine creating the moulds wouldn't be all that hard and they can do runs of 10-20% of the total made to cater for what would likely be a very grateful customer.

You should really get the G502 if you like logitech. That is unless you want a purely wireless mouse.

 

[KingsGambit_v1legacy]

Just spotted this mouse [http://www.gatzet.com/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/corsair_vengeance_m90_mouse_back_news.jpg] from Corsair. Not the first name I'd associate with gaming (outside of the RAM/SSD area anyway) but it does have a lot of buttons. Not sure how it would feel though...the assymentry of the thumb buttons is unlikely to help. It's an interesting curiosity at any rate.

 

[Bombiz]

Just spotted this mouse [http://www.gatzet.com/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/corsair_vengeance_m90_mouse_back_news.jpg] from Corsair. Not the first name I'd associate with gaming (outside of the RAM/SSD area anyway) but it does have a lot of buttons. Not sure how it would feel though...the assymentry of the thumb buttons is unlikely to help. It's an interesting curiosity at any rate.

Depends on how well you can cope with the thumb buttons. Seems to be over kill to me. I feel like I would be accidently pressing them all the time.